| It is a well known fact that Vitamins and Minerals are | | | | deficiency. These deficiencies may not be that |
| required for the proper functioning of the body. | | | | noticeable in the initial stages but if remained untreated, |
| Ironically, the body lacks the ability to produce most of | | | | can lead to serious health problems over time. |
| these essential vitamins and minerals and therefore | | | | Poor eating habits are the main cause of vitamin |
| must rely on a proper diet and supplements in order to | | | | deficiencies. A nutritious and well balanced diet is a |
| get the required amounts. | | | | must for optimal health but very few people actually |
| Vitamins are basically organic compounds that are | | | | eat one. Today junk foods that are rich in fat and |
| naturally found in most foods that we eat and even in | | | | sugar have replaced healthy foods so people are at a |
| the form of vitamin supplements. There are over 13 | | | | greater risk of developing a vitamin deficiency. |
| different vitamins that are required to perform crucial | | | | Providing detailed information on nutrition and the right |
| functions such as protecting the body against | | | | foods can help prevent these deficiencies. Generally, |
| infections and disease, aiding in the metabolic process | | | | the negative effects of a poor diet can be seen when |
| and elimination of waste products from the body. | | | | the body begins to gain weight which is one of the fist |
| A healthy body that has all the essential vitamins is | | | | visible signs of a deficiency. |
| able to create the enzymes and hormones that help | | | | There are several health problems associated to |
| control blood pressure, heart rate and glucose levels. | | | | vitamin deficiencies. For example, insufficient amounts |
| Each of these vitamins have different recommended | | | | of vitamin D can lead to weak and deformed bones. |
| daily allowances depending on a person's age and | | | | A Vitamin C deficiency can lead to weakness, fatigue, |
| current health levels. For example, women who are | | | | muscles aches and sometimes even lead to bleeding |
| pregnant, children, elderly people and men have | | | | gums. Inadequate amounts of Vitamin E can actually |
| different nutritional requirements and hence require | | | | destroy red blood cells in the body making it more |
| varying amounts. | | | | vulnerable to disease and infections. In severe cases, |
| It is very important to have a balanced nutritious diet to | | | | an overall vitamin deficiency can even lead to death. |
| maintain optimal health. If we consume the wrong | | | | The adverse effects of vitamin deficiencies can be |
| foods high in fats and sugars, they will have adverse | | | | counteracted to some extend by vitamin supplements. |
| effects on our health and body. | | | | However, a blood test is the best means of finding out |
| Insufficient quantities of vitamins may lead to a vitamin | | | | whether one has a vitamin deficiency or not. |